RE News
Today the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion appeal. This year Project Compassion demonstrates how love for our neighbours can transform lives by empowering individuals and communities in six countries around the world. The stories are of the people in Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Australia, Bangladesh and Vietnam. Their stories will humble and inspire us, and show how your contributions to Project Compassion help people build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities.
First Sunday of Lent
10th March 2019
Twelve-year-old Thandolwayo would walk seven kilometres each day to collect contaminated water for her family. It looked like she would never realise her hope of finishing her education and becoming a nurse, until a Caritas Australia supported project created access to clean water helping Thandolwayo to stay at school and achieve a future full of hope.
Please donate to Project Compassion 2019 and to provide clean water and a future full of hope for vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe.
Lives change when we all give 100%. You can donate through Parish boxes and envelopes, by visiting www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or phoning 1800 024 413.
An Invitation in this time of Lent
Lent is a time to reflect, to take some time to see what our life’s direction has been, and to evaluate this in the light of our Christian vision – living life in the spirit of Jesus as outlined in the Beatitudes. For many years there was a heavy emphasis on ‘fasting’ and ‘going without’ but it may be possible that fasting and feasting could go hand in hand.
❏ fast from judging others; feast on the recognition that everyone is made in the image and likeness of God.
❏ Fast from words that diminish others; feast on the words that build up and strengthen one another.
❏ Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
❏ Fast from negative anger; feast on positive patience.
❏ Fast from concern about self; feast on compassion for others.
❏ Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
❏ Fast from discouragements; feast on hope.
❏ Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Prayer
Lord God,
We call out for your mercy.
Bring us back to you
and to the life your Son won for us
by his death on the cross.
Amen